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Pet safety

Is Watercress toxic to dogs?

Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists watercress as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The ASPCA lists watercress (Nasturtium/Rorippa genus) as mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal irritation including vomiting and diarrhea, particularly in quantity. Wild-harvested watercress poses additional risks from water-borne pathogens and proximity to toxic water hemlock (Cicuta species). Commercially grown watercress is safe for human consumption but should be kept away from pets.

What to do if your dog ate watercress

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move watercress out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of watercress to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten watercress, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is watercress toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is watercress toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists watercress as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. The ASPCA lists watercress (Nasturtium/Rorippa genus) as mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal irritation including vomiting and diarrhea, particularly in quantity. Wild-harvested watercress poses additional risks from water-borne pathogens and proximity to toxic water hemlock (Cicuta species). Commercially grown watercress is safe for human consumption but should be kept away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats watercress?

The ASPCA lists watercress (Nasturtium/Rorippa genus) as mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal irritation including vomiting and diarrhea, particularly in quantity. Wild-harvested watercress poses additional risks from water-borne pathogens and proximity to toxic water hemlock (Cicuta species). Commercially grown watercress is safe for human consumption but should be kept away from pets. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to watercress.

What should I do if my dog ate watercress?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is watercress toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Watercress is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full watercress pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to watercress?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full watercress pet-safety